NOFO: Public Affairs Section Annual Program 2025 (Tunisia)

This Annual Program Statement (APS) outlines their funding priorities and the strategic themes they will focus on in FY2025, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding.

Priority Areas

• Economic Prosperity and Entrepreneurship: Initiatives that prioritize mutual prosperity, expand economic and commercial links between the United States and Tunisia, promote U.S.
• Innovation and Collaboration in science and technology: Initiatives that promote collaboration and academic partnerships in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), including cybersecurity, space, energy, water security, food security, smart agriculture, health technology, and artificial intelligence (AI) between U.S. and Tunisian academic and research institutions, non-governmental organizations, and private companies, as well as programs that promote interest in STEM education among young people.
• Educational Linkages and English Language: Initiatives that expand collaboration and partnerships between U.S. and Tunisian higher education and research institutions through programs and professional and academic exchanges; programs to strengthen English language instruction in Tunisian universities and colleges; programs to expand the teaching of English in sign language and braille; and other programs that support and promote English language learning among Tunisian youth.
• Leadership: Initiatives that provide leadership training inspired by U.S. experiences, models, and best practices to Tunisian young people (high school and university students and young professionals) to help them become effective leaders in their communities and professional field of choice.
• Mega Decade Of Sports: Programs that leverage the “Mega-Decade in Sports” in North America (2023-2034) when the United States will host the 2025 FIFA World Club Cup, the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Los Angeles, and the 2034 Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Salt Lake City, in ways that strengthen people-to-people ties between the United States and Tunisia, promote American values and demonstrate American excellence and leadership in sports and tourism.
• Celebrating American Excellence AND U.S.-Tunisian Enduring Partnership:
  • Programs that celebrate U.S. scientific or sport prowess, innovation, economic dynamism, agricultural strength, and national parks and tourism during the 250th anniversary year of U.S. Independence;
  • Leverage people-to-people ties and promote the establishment of U.S-Tunisian institutional linkages through cultural diplomacy, including artistic and cultural workshops, performances, exhibitions, or other activities that celebrate American excellence in visual and performing arts, music, cultural heritage protection, and film during the 250th anniversary year of U.S. Independence and the 228th anniversary year of the 1797 treaty of friendship between the U.S. and Tunisia;
  • Leverage people-to-people or institutional ties through sports or cultural diplomacy initiatives to increase awareness and understanding among broad elements of Tunisian society of the history and benefits of the over two centuries of U.S.-Tunisian friendship, trade, and security cooperation.

Funding Information

• Award Ceiling: $200,000
• Award Floor: $10,000

Eligible Projects

• Subject-matter expert, academic, and professional lectures, seminars, and speaker programs that include U.S. speakers/experts.
• Programs that strengthen relationships and linkages between U.S. and Tunisian higher education and cultural institutions.
• Educational, artistic, and cultural programs, including programs that strengthen English language teaching and learning, music, musical theater, dance workshops, master classes, and performances, live theatre performances, art exhibitions, and sports and culinary diplomacy initiatives that increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and Tunisia.
• Programs, including podcasts, that promote economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, or that share U.S. experiences related to addressing community challenges, including the management of water or energy resources, waste management, urban design and planning, and preparing for and mitigating natural or human-caused disasters.
• Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programming, including through the use new and immersive technologies, such as VR technology.

Ineligible Projects

• This funding cannot be used to support construction-related activities.

Eligibility Criteria

• They encourage applications from the following entities registered in the United States or Tunisia, with at least two years of programming experience.  (Proposals must include documentation demonstrating the applying organization’s experience.)
• Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations;
• Public and private educational institutions;
• Non-profit or governmental educational institutions
• Governmental institutions;
• Individuals may also apply.

Ineligibility Criteria

• The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:
  • Programs relating to partisan political activity;
  • Charitable or development activities;
  • Construction programs;
  • Programs that support specific religious activities;
  • Fund-raising campaigns;
  • Lobbying for specific legislation or programs;
  • Scientific research;
  • Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization;
  • Programs that duplicate existing programs.

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Tunisia.